Latest Health News
Health Subsidies Expire, Causing Steep Insurance Hikes for Millions
ACA health subsidies expired on January 1, 2026, leading to higher premiums for 24 million enrollees and potentially causing 4.8 million to drop coverage. Analysts predict younger, healthier Americans will forgo insurance, raising costs for older, sicker populations.
Congress may vote in January to revive subsidies amid political debates.
Proposal to Drastically Cut NIH Budget and Consolidate Institutes
The fiscal year 2026 US budget proposes an $18 billion cut to NIH and $1.5 billion reduction in HIV prevention funding. This includes shifts away from basic science investments and phasing out nonhuman primate research at CDC.
Actions weaken global health research pipelines and collaborations.
US Freezes Foreign Aid, Halting Global Health and HIV Programs
New US administration issued a sweeping foreign aid freeze on day one, stopping HIV programs and research, costing lives. AVAC sued the government to restore funding amid legal fights.
US withdrew from WHO and reduced support for Gavi vaccine alliance.
Pfizer Commits Major Investments to Cancer and Obesity Treatments
Pfizer is making historic investments in cancer using Seagen’s ADC technology to change treatment paradigms. In obesity, advanced danuglipron shows efficacy in twice-daily form, with once-daily version advancing to registration studies.
Company aims to address unmet needs in both areas.
Cutting-Edge Medical Advances Expected in 2026
ABC News highlights innovations poised to shape healthcare, as per Dr. Darien Sutton. Advances build on 2025 breakthroughs in various fields.
Expect transformative changes in medical practices throughout the year.
US Signs Health Deals with 9 African Countries Mirroring Trump Priorities
New bilateral deals provide funding for HIV, malaria, and surveillance in countries like Mozambique ($1.8B) and Lesotho ($232M). Eswatini gets $205M for public health systems in exchange for increased domestic spending.
Deals counter recent US aid cuts crippling African health systems.
Medicare to Pay Physicians for AI Plaque Analysis in 2026
Starting January 2026, Medicare pays over $1,000 per use for AI analyzing plaque type and quantity in arteries. This trend addresses who funds AI integration in healthcare.
Watch for broader reimbursement models amid rising health tech adoption.
Metabolic Health Shifts to Population-Level Management in 2026
Diabetes and obesity evolve from episodic to chronic management using data, therapeutics, and payer strategies. Rising prevalence drives preventive care redesign across systems.
Challenges persist in pricing, access, and equity despite innovations.
Higher Healthcare Costs Begin January 1, 2026
New Year's Day marks expected rises in US healthcare costs due to policy changes and subsidy lapses. Impacts millions amid ongoing enrollment windows until mid-January.
Affects affordability for working Americans struggling with premiums.
HHS Freezes Child Care Payments to States Over Fraud Allegations
HHS halted payments to all states following Minnesota fraud claims, disrupting child health-related services. Move tied to broader 2026 budget and policy shifts.
Potential long-term effects on family health support programs.
UCLA Health Trains Rwandan Clinicians in Digestive Disease Procedures
Dr. Sean Nguyen's team visited Rwanda on January 2, 2026, training in critical procedures like pediatric sigmoidoscopy. Effort boosts local capacity for digestive health issues.
Part of global health training initiatives amid US policy changes.